Oh, that "excuse me." Sure, I've heard that, and unfortunately I am usually startled and turn quickly with an elbow out. Oh I'm so sorry, here, let me help you up...

Okay, I'm just in one of those moods today. Pay no attention.

Jay

Honestly and truly I cannot think of a single instance where I've had that happen to me.

Now, that said, I will say that *I* have used the irritated-excuse-me-voice when walking around someone who has done something really dumb - like pull their cart out in front of mine and then stop dead still, forcing me to stop short ... or when someone has just left their cart in the middle of the aisle instead of pulling it off to one side, even if there is room to maneuver around it.

Even so, it has nothign to do with the size of the person in question.

.

Oh yeah, heh, the "excuse me" that actually means "excuse YOU." Sure, but it's not size related! There are doofuses of all sizes clogging up the aisles of grocery store with their bone-headed maneuvers.

Ok, now this thread has put me in mind of a really awkward moment I had last year. (Funny how certain moments can just stick in your head.)

In class I often have to squeeze through some tight spaces, especially between occupied desks. I find it very awkward and embarrassing. That brief moment last year especially was uncomfortable. I was trying to make my way back to my seat after delivering a presentation in speech class and I excused myself as I passed behind a classmate. The desks were positioned in a U shape, so all eyes have a clear view of everything going on, and at the moment, this was the only thing going on.

As he he rolled his chair in he muttered something under his breath (the word "weight" was the only distinctive thing in the sentence) to which is friend chuckled. I turned red and tried to ignore it as I got to my chair, but even today I wish that I had faced him with a clear "excuse me, did you say something?" and put HIM on the spot!

Things did get better in that class. You can't discuss communication and deliver speeches to the group about topics that interest you without getting to know the person inside. He learned that the person inside me was aware of the weight problem and that it was a concern of mine. I learned that he was usually a nice guy with more than a little intelligence - he just doesn't always show it.